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Surrey, BC
Canada
998 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 5:08 PM
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| Hi fellow hikers. I am rather new to hiking. I am planning a trip with my friends to Jasper, Banff, and K-Country this summer and I need recommendations on light hikes in these areas. Anyone personally hiked some light trails and impressed by them(by the scenic route and wildlife)? Thanks. |
Edited by - hikeforhealth on 02/22/2006 11:20 PM
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
169 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 7:28 PM
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| Wilcox Pass is a great hike and not very difficult. I would highly recommend this hike. You get fantastic views of the Columbia Icefield and the surrounding peaks. The trailhead is just a few km south of the Icefield Centre at the Wilcox Creek(I think) campground. There were a few people up there when I was there in August but nothing like the hordes down at the Icefield. Bighorn Sheep on the ridge. Can be done as a loop if you have 2 cars or don't mind hitch-hiking on the Parkway. |
Edited by - westsidemike on 02/22/2006 7:42 PM |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
1011 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 7:38 PM
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Sheila, the Maligne Canyon trail in Jasper is awesome and lite! I had my son there when he was 7 and he managed the whole trail return, I forget the distance. You can choose to do just a section of it if you are pressed for time, we started at the Maligne Canyon Visitor's centre. It has some up and downhill sections with great views above the canyon and right along side the river as well, we enjoyed being right beside the river to cool off with the icy glacier water on a hot summer's day!
I would also recommend the Overlander trail in Jasper, it actually branches off the Maligne canyon trail, and follows the river as well, two rivers in fact! It's spectacular where the Maligne and Athabasca rivers meet, right alongside the trail. The Overlander trail is perfectly flat, easy hiking, and there are beautiful wildflowers along the trail in summer. It is also a horse trail apparently, though we didn't see any horses on the section that we did. |
Edited by - margaret on 02/22/2006 7:39 PM |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
998 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 7:45 PM
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| Thanks guys. I will definately look up these trails for more details and tell my friends about them; they are not experienced hikers either. They sound awesome. Anyone recommend hikes in Banff or K-Country? |
Edited by - hikeforhealth on 02/22/2006 11:20 PM |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
169 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 7:45 PM
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| ...And never forget that you are in Grizzly Country! |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
998 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 7:48 PM
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Thanks for the reminder westsidemike; being a newbie, I have a lot to learn! My friends have kids so I definately do not want to leave their children without parents! Just happy times  . |
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 Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 10:30 PM
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K Country lite hikes:
1. West Wind Pass
2. Fortress Ridge
3. Ptarmigan Cirque
4. Chester Lake
5. Rawson Lake
6. Fortress Lake
Most of these are no more than 6 km one way and about 300 to 400 metres elevation gain but have stunning views. |
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Anchorage, Alaska
USA
1340 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 08:37 AM
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I agree with the Jasper area suggestions and would like to add Mount Edith Cavell to that list. Basically you have to turn off on highway 93A at the Athabasca Falls junction on the Icefields Parkway and continue north on the secondary road for about 16-20km, then take another left turn at the road sign for Mount Edith Cavell. It winds up the mountainside for about 7 km and ends at a parking lot. There's a couple short hikes there but the scenery is outstanding.
As for K-country, I second Chester Lake, it's only 8km return. Also a walk around upper Kananaskis Lakes is nice and flat.
As for Banff, head to Moraine Lake, just follow the signage thru the town of Lake Louise and it's about an 8km drive on a secondary road. Hike as far as you can up the Sentinel Pass route, or just around the Lake, the views are amazing.
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She said 'I'm going out with my girlfriends,
margueritas at the Holiday Inn',
Lord have mercy, my only thought
was Tequila makes her clothes fall off... |
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Anchorage, Alaska
USA
1340 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 08:46 AM
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Oh and lastly, you must check out Parker Ridge just southeast of Sunwapta Pass! Most would agree that scenically, it's the best return for the least amount of effort.
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She said 'I'm going out with my girlfriends,
margueritas at the Holiday Inn',
Lord have mercy, my only thought
was Tequila makes her clothes fall off... |
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Moxie scambler of pinnacles, tireless leader haunting the CDN/US border climbing everything in sight
Burnaby, BC
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 09:01 AM
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Another fun, light and popular hike in Lake Louise is the Plain of Six Glaciers. Getting to the tea houses could be good motivation for new hikers. Fantastic views all around and you might be able to watch some rock climbers on the way.
PB |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
998 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 11:09 AM
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| Wow!! Thanks PB, Northern Alberta, and Sandy. That is a great amount of information. I really appreciate it. |
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925 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 5:10 PM
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In Banff you can check out C Level Cirque starting at lake Minnewanka. Not too much uphill, some good history, and a great view from the tailings pile about half way up. Here's a pic of the view from the pile.
Rawson is a great ike in K Country as well.
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Alberta-based choss climbin', flame throwin', rappel lovin', ass talkin' hater who doesn't like "Gumby" for a descriptor
6302 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 5:33 PM
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Don't forget the bear spray  |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
998 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 6:15 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by time2clmb
Don't forget the bear spray
I was planning to get some of that too! Hope I don't get maced |
Edited by - hikeforhealth on 02/23/2006 6:16 PM |
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331 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 6:43 PM
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Banff: Johnston Canyon. It has 2 waterfalls and the inkpots so you can go as far as you feel like, or not.
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http://www.jackielbolen.blogspot.com/ |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
169 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 7:46 PM
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| ....and when you're driving from Lake Louise to Banff, forget the Trans Canada and take the Bow Valley Parkway!! |
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Alberta-based choss climbin', flame throwin', rappel lovin', ass talkin' hater who doesn't like "Gumby" for a descriptor
6302 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 7:49 PM
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Johnson Canyon is a gong show...the inkpots are really nice though. It would be better if it were not so man made looking.
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Tumbler Ridge, BC
Canada
1364 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2006 : 9:49 PM
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I think they're all pretty light, as long as you finish before the sun sets, and don't go into any caves.....
Re: Johnson Canyon. I've never had to stand in line to see a waterfall before, and that was end of Sept. I'd hate to see it in early August.
But once I got past the first waterfall, there were three people. It was night and day.
And I kinda liked what they did; one of the most audacious bits of trailbuilding I've ever seen. I don't want every trail to be like it, but knowing there's one out there like it is a good thing, if only you can point to it and say "that has nothing to do with what hiking is really about."
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I never get lost. It's just that sometimes, I'm not sure where I am. |
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Alberta-based choss climbin', flame throwin', rappel lovin', ass talkin' hater who doesn't like "Gumby" for a descriptor
6302 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2006 : 07:49 AM
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| The water fall in Johnson canyon is not impressive. It's nice, but not spectacular. If you go, go for the inkpots. |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
998 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2006 : 2:40 PM
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I checked out Johnston Canyon and I can see what both Backroader and time2cmb is talking about. I can understand why they put the railing there but it would look nicer made out of wood-more rustic.
Backroader, are the cave and cavin and the cadomin cave not safe? Or are you talking about unfamiliar caves? |
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Alberta-based choss climbin', flame throwin', rappel lovin', ass talkin' hater who doesn't like "Gumby" for a descriptor
6302 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2006 : 3:50 PM
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| Rats nest cave on Grotto Mountain in Canmore might be worth checking out if that's what you into. |
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Need Info on Light Hikes in Rockies
